2012 in Review: The Top Ten Stories

And so here we are at the end of the year 2012. Hard to believe. I finished a novel and am in the process of editing it. But enough about me. I’ve put the monkeys in my head to work again to come up with the Top Ten Stories of 2012.

10. All Things Royal and British.
If you thought last year was the best year for Britain’s monarchy (what with Prince William tying the knot with Kate Middleton), this year beat it soundly. Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee (60 years on the throne) in style. Family members spread out to visit all corners of the Commonwealth. Even though Prince Philip ended up in the hospital, festivities continued and Britons celebrated their queen. Then the scandals began to hit. First, Prince Harry is caught on camera in the middle of naked romp in a Las Vegas hotel room. And then Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, was caught topless while vacationing with William in France. They were published in a few magazines and the Royal family sued. Things have calmed down…well, with one exception. But that’s for later!

The Return of the ABC Soaps?

ABC Daytime fans may have gotten an early Christmas gift. It’s been reported that Prospect Park is looking to revive “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” sometime in 2013.

For those who forgot or didn’t know, ABC announced these two long running soaps were cancelled. But shortly after, Prospect Park announced they had bought the rights to the two shows and planned to continue them online. Actors from both shows signed on to continue their roles and things were swimming along. “All My Children” still ran a week wrapping up the show but then, on Friday, had a deranged JR Chandler (Jacob Young) fire into a party filled with the entire cast. Then the screen went blank, with the promise of finding out who JR shot when Prospect Park got the show back up and running.

The Hobbit: A Long Expected Movie

One cannot deny people have been waiting for this movie for a long time. Pretty much since “The Return of the King” left the theaters, if we’re honest. But there were delays and issues with directors but finally, it is here: “The Hobbit.”

“The Hobbit” is a prequel to the “Lord of the Rings” films, set 60 years prior. Bilbo (Ian Holm, reprising his role) is writing this story for nephew Frodo (Elijah Wood again) to read. He tells about the fall of Erebor, the great dwarf city, and how it was taken by the dragon Smaug. Years later, the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellan, naturally) comes to the Shire to speak to Bilbo (now played by Martin Freeman). Later that night, a large amount of dwarves arrive and rattle up Bilbo’s peaceful evening. Their leader is Thorin (Richard Armitage) and they are going to reclaim Erebor. Gandalf has decided Bilbo will be a member of their company. Bilbo has decided Gandalf is insane.

Nostalgia Nook: “The Christmas List”

There are plenty of things I can rely on in the holiday season: My mother breaking something on Thanksgiving, me in the mall hours before Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Christmas carols ad nausem, Hallmark movies, parties, food, and my father taping “The Christmas List.”

Oh, yes, he loves the movie. And that’s why I made it this month’s topic.

So, what’s on my Christmas list? SPOILERS!

The March Sisters at Christmas

Time for another made-for-cable Christmas movie review! I told you my family lives on them this time of the year. But this one is from Lifetime, not Hallmark.

So sit back with some hot chocolate and enjoy the SPOILERS!

A Very Merry Smashmas

I posted this on my tumblr. But I think it deserves a bigger post.

One of the things that makes me sad I have to wait until February 5th for new episodes of “Smash” (besides the fact I have to wait until February 5th for new episodes of “Smash”) is that we won’t get a Christmas episode! And I feel cheated; all those great talents and we don’t get to hear them sing some Holiday classics?

So I asked on tumblr what songs my followers would like to hear them sing. But this is my blog and so I’m going to tell you my choices!

Game On: A Review of “Wreck It Ralph”

Pixar made its name by animating what happens when we leave our toys alone. Now, over a decade later, Disney Animation Studios has imagined what happens when they power down the arcade games for the night. The result is “Wreck It Ralph,” Disney’s holiday offering.

Insert coins and press SPOILERS!

Before the Parade Passes By…

Tis the season! You know what that means! Hallmark trots out its collection of Christmas movies. And my family will watch them. Yes, they are cheesy and formulaic but by God, they are endearing. We love them. And that includes “Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade,” which seems appropriate for today.

Prepare for the arrival of SPOILERS!

ANTM: One False Step

Last time on “ANTM”: The final four had to write a commercial for the Jamaican Tourism Board. And then perform it on horseback. Leila has a freakout while Laura is a natural. But Kiara wins the challenge. Then they shoot an ad for “Dream Come True.” At panel, Kelly and Rob argued a lot. Kiara and Leila made it to the finale while Laura and Nastasia made it to the bottom two. In the end, Laura rounded out the finale three while Nastasia was sent packing.

After a season of more WTF-ery than usual from P’Trique to Bryanboy to social media to Victoria, it’s time to reveal who will be America’s Next Top Model. Will it be Laura, the daughter of a soap star and model who has had her ups and downs? Or Kiara, who had a rough childhood and has pulled herself up to succeed? Or Leila, who was eliminated but brought back by viewers’ votes? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

ANTM: No More Horsin’ Around

Last time on “ANTM:” Kristin was nastier than usual. The remaining five went on a photoshoot for Cedella Marley and Leila got attacked by a dolphin. But she still won the challenge. Next, Tyra took pictures of the girls in a waterfall. At panel, Leila and Kiara rose while Laura and Kristin fell. After a confrontation between Kiara, Leila and Kristin, the latter was sent home. Four girls remain, who is eliminated tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Nostalgia Nook: Squanto A Warrior’s Tale

Thanksgiving is my father’s favorite holiday. He feels it’s overlooked and not overblown. I like it was well. Everyone comes over and there’s a lot of food. Turkey, potatoes, rice, pies, etc. We talk, laugh, play games, and collapse in a turkey coma. Yet, there aren’t many Thanksgiving movies.
Besides the Peanuts Thanksgiving specials, the only other one that comes to mind is “Squanto, A Warrior’s Tale.” It aired on the Magical World of Disney during the 90s. I remember Michael Eisner introducing it while wearing this awful sweatshirt.

Warning, a cornucopia of SPOILERS!

The Good Witch Series

The idea was for this to come out on Halloween. Of course, I decided to start this the day before Sandy made landfall. And I was in the impact zone. I am fine, as is my family and friends. Most of us escaped with only loss of power. But there are others who didn’t fare as well. Please, consider donating to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers foundation. It's an organization I knew and trust. And I know and trust the money will be spent on hard-hit Staten Island. Thanks! 

Anyway, over the weekend, I had two of my wisdom teeth taken out. The pain wasn’t too bad but I was sore. So I spent the rest of the day on the couch with my blanket and chocolate pudding. And TV. Namely, the Hallmark Channel. And what was on? The Good Witch movies!

Right now, there are five of them. The Good Witch, The Good Witch’s Garden, The Good Witch’s Wedding, The Good Witch’s Family and The Good Witch’s Charm. So how are they? Let’s look.

The Good Witch’s SPOILERS!

ANTM: Attack of the Dolphin

Last time on “ANTM”: Tyra revealed Leila was the girl coming back into the competition. The others girls were sent home while the final six went to Jamaica! Male models met them and Kiara fell for Korey. They competed in a dance competition, which Nastasia and Kiara won. Losers Kristin and Laura just spent the episode badmouthing everyone else in confessional. Then they posed with Rob and one of their male models on a raft. At panel, Nastasia rose to the top while Kiara and Victoria fell to the bottom two. In the end, Victoria was eliminated. Five girls remain, who goes home tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

ANTM: Jamaica!

Last time on “ANTM”: The girls went on go-sees! Brittany and Victoria booked nothing though they only showed Victoria going on about it. And she confronted the other girls about calling her out at panel. It all got very middle school, very fast. Next, Kiara had to relive her shoplifting past when the photoshoot was done inside a prison. Laura rose to the top while Brittany and Victoria fell to the bottom. Brittany was eliminated BUT went into another judging with the other eliminated girls to see who comes back into the competition. Five girls will become six tonight. Who stays? Who goes? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

ANTM: Crimes of Fashion

Last time on “ANTM": Bryanboy sent the girls on a road trip to Palm Springs. Along the way, they had to do some random acts of modeling and make videos for Nylon TV. Kiara swore Victoria sabotaged her while Victoria thought Kiara wasn’t being fair. Their team didn’t win and Laura won the challenge overall. Johnny showed up to direct their photoshoot where they had to be nasty, dirty girls. Back at home, the girls worry about Victoria’s eating habits. Victoria herself admits she’s stressed and that food has no taste. At panel, Tyra listens to the girls’ concerns and warns Victoria. Nastasia received best photo while Laura and Allyssa landed in the bottom two. Clearly, Allyssa was the choice to be booted. Six girls remain, who gets eliminated tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Best Disney Romances: Results!

Check them out on my tumblr. The Top 10 will be revealed over the next few days...

ANTM: Finger-Licking Eww

Last time on “ANTM”: Everyone was reeling over Leila’s elimination. Except Brittany, who was steamed because she thought Bryanboy was upset she stayed over Leila. Why she cared what he thought, God only knows. He’s not even a real judge anyway. The girls met Chrissy Teigen, did some motion capture for a video game, Laura won the challenge and Victoria was annoyed with a low challenge score. Next, they did a steampunk-inspired shoot with an owl. While on set, Yvonne’s annoyance was taken out on Bryanboy. So at panel, while Laura flew high, Yvonne and Victoria fell into the bottom two. And Yvonne got kicked off. Seven girls remain, who gets eliminated this week? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Nostalgia Nook: Double Double Toil and Trouble

It’s October! You know what that means! Ghosts, goblins, witches and other creatures come out to play. And our nostalgia nook has witches galore!

And it has Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Yes, those pint-sized twins who dominated the 90s. Especially if you were a girl. From “Full House” to their mystery series to their other movies, they were everywhere. And in one place was the movie “Double, Double Toil and Trouble.”

Fair is foul and SPOILERS are fair.

Best Disney Romances

I'm surprised I didn't put a link up here. Anyway, back in August and through September, I was running a poll to determine the Top 10 Disney Romances for my Disney tumblr. It ended with several couples tied for multiple places. So I'm having a runoff vote to determine who gets slots 3 to 10.

Please vote!

ANTM: It's a Hoot!

Last time on “ANTM”: Alicia Keys stopped by to have the girls walk in a fashion show for her charity. It was a challenge which Kiara won. Then the girls posed as cheerleaders where we learned Laura had a fear of heights. This was after she had let Kristin share the Tyra Suite with her rather than BFF Leila and they had a big fight where Leila accused Laura of being self-centered and Laura broke down. But Leila ended up falling to the bottom with Brittany at panel and she was sent home. Eight girls remain; who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Wannabe on top?

ANTM: Girl on Fire

Last time on ANTM: Tyler Perry showed up to help with an acting challenge. Despite the fact I still think Yvonne or even Victoria should’ve won, Kiara won. But she wasn’t the biggest bitch on the show this week. That went to Kristin, who needled Destiny and talked back to Johnny. The girls portrayed zombies. Lauren rose to the top while Destiny and Yvonne fell to the bottom. In the end, Destiny was sent to join Jessie and Darian in an attempt to get back in the competition. Nine girls remain, who gets eliminated tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

The Glee Season 4 Premiere: My 2 Cents

So, the premiere has come and gone. I was nervous for this season and I still am. But this episode was pretty good. Here are my thoughts. I’ll separate them into “New York” and “Ohio”.

ANTM: Tyler Perry’s House of Cray-Cray

Last time on “ANTM:” It was time for makeovers! Except they were optional! But they really weren’t because opting out meant a talking to from Tyra and Kelly. Victoria began to panic but Maria didn’t care. She finally left the competition during the photo shoot. No one cared as they were posing nude with one Rob Evans. At panel, Victoria rose to the top while Darian and Yvonne fell to the bottom. It came down to social media and Darian was sent home, but no before Tyra teased her with the possibility of coming back. Ten girls remain, who will go home tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Mr. Weasley’s Adventures in Space

Dinosaurs on a Spaceship or “Dinosaurs on a Ship”

Why mess with a perfect title? Mr. Weasley learns there’s a bigger world outside the wizarding one as he journeys with the Doctor, the Ponds, Nefertiti and some hunter to a spaceship. With dinosaurs. And sarcastic robots.

The Doctor talks to an Egyptian queen before we see him talking to some military girl. There’s a big ship coming. But they can’t communicate with it and the military will shoot it if it comes too close to Earth. The Doctor has six hours nineteen minutes to stop it. He takes the queen—Nefertiti—to the African plains over a century ago. He talks to a man who he takes with him. Meanwhile, Mr. Weasley tries to fix the light bulb as the TARDIS appears in their living room. They end up on the bridge. Mr. Weasley is confused as the Doctor instructs everyone to grab a torch.

ANTM: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Last time on ANTM: The girls adjusted to living in their new house as Tyra showed them around. Including the Tyra Suite. Rob shows up to take them to their first challenge—working it at a club! Yvonne wins and gets to stay in the Tyra Suite. Shenae Grimes is their photographer as they pretend to be mounted on a wall. At panel, social media comes into play as the judges rank the girls. In the end, Leila gets the best photo and access to the Tyra Suite. Meanwhile, Destiny and Jessie fall to the bottom. But the public liked Destiny more than Jessie and she is sent home. Except not! She can compete to come back into the competition! Who joins her? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Love Never Dies, but Continuity Sure Does

A few years ago, it was announced Andrew Lloyd Webber was going forward with a sequel to his megahit “The Phantom of the Opera.” The theater community was…intrigued, yet cautious. It had been so long and the show was (is) so beloved. Also, Andrew Lloyd Webber hasn’t really had a hit on Broadway since Phantom opened. “The Woman in White” closed before the Tonys! So, we kept our ears open for news. And got a laugh when it was reported one of Webber’s cats deleted the score.

But it seemed Webber was serious about pushing forward with it. At a festival held on his estate, Webber debuted the first act. The reviews were positive though fans continued to remain cautious. Especially when it seemed Webber would follow the plot of Frederick Forsyth’s novel, “Phantom of Manhattan.” (It is a “sequel” to the book musical). Most shuddered when they considered that. But things pushed forward. Webber announced plans to debut the show simultaneously in London, New York and Hong Kong. As time grew closer, though, those plans were dropped for an opening only in London with plans for other productions to be determined.

Nostalgia Nook: Recess

I have a question: Do Saturday morning cartoons still exist? Or are they a dying breed because stations like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Disney have animated shows throughout the week? That there is no need to wake up, get a bowl of cereal and plop down in front of the TV after a long week at school? Because if not, I feel bad for any possible offspring I may have.

Because I grew up with Saturday morning cartoons. And I loved them! Especially after ABC relaunched their Saturday morning lineup as “One Saturday Morning.” One of my favorite shows was “Recess.”

So, wait for the bell and watch the SPOILERS!

Adventures in the Cavern of Rusted Daleks

Asylum of the Daleks or “How the Daleks Forgot the Doctor”

Apparently, there are Daleks even the Daleks don’t want to deal with. They send the Doctor down, where he deals with Jenna-Louise Coleman and the Ponds’ deteriorating marriage. And something about milk.

We start with a Dalek. That a man fought the Daleks and then died. But he will come back…like King Arthur? A woman hopes the stories are true. The Doctor shows up to reveal we are on Skaro to meet the woman. He wants to know what she knows, especially about him. She wants him to rescue her daughter, who is in a Dalek prison camp. The Doctor wonders why she isn’t and notes she is cold. She is a trap as the Doctor gets blasted. The Daleks celebrate.

ANTM: Just Hanging Around

Last week on ANTM: Tyra tricked me into watching a casting episode. Thirty girls from several colleges and beauty schools converged on LA for a chance to be on the 19th cycle of the show. Tyra and Kelly are back, but there are new things! Mr. Jay is gone, replaced with Johnny Wujek. Nigel is gone, replaced by Rob Evans. And the rotating guest judge? Is now people who voted while the season was taping. So the judges whittled down the contestants to the final 13. Who gets the bad luck (or good fortune?) to get kicked off first? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

ANTM: School’s In Session

It’s a new cycle? Already? CW’s starting early. Huh. Okay, y’all! Time for Top Model. Buckle up, Auntie Tyra’s driving again.

Oh, they’ve gone back to “The Girl Who…” titles again.

Tyra’s a graduate of Harvard! And so she’s doing a college cycle! Because, you know, that’s an age group that’s never been represented before on this show. Please note the sarcasm.

The girls arrive at a sorority house? That’s what it looks like. They are wearing shirts with their college name on them. I don’t want to see my alma mater there. Maria (Harvard) talks about how the college cycle will show girls they can be models and not stupid. Too bad Tyra has always eliminated the smart girls before.

The Glee Project: This is Our Show

This season on “The Glee Project:” Fourteen—rather than twelve—Gleekabes competed for a role on “Glee.” Mentored by Glee cast members, they sang for their survival. Well, except Taryn who quit the show. They dealt with bullying, Zach’s dance class, Ryan’s moods, stunts in the name of tenacity and other nonsense to achieve fame. One by one, they were eliminated—until the last episode where both Michael and Lily fell short of the finale. Three Gleekabes—Bland, Ali and Aylin—remain. Who will Ryan and his hat choose to be on Glee? Find out!

Glee!

The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary

Yes, indeed, Phantom of the Opera is a quarter century old. It’s funny to imagine I’m about the same age (at least with the British version. I think I’m a year older than the Broadway production). But one thing can’t be denied about the British: they celebrate anniversaries in style. I mean, I know about the anniversary celebration “A Chorus Line” had—a special performance featuring original cast members as well as replacements. Where in “Music and the Mirror,” it featured the current Cassie giving way to the original, Donna McKenchie. And then four Cassies doing the “Cassie Dance”! All of this was capped by an amazing rendition of “One” with everyone joining in!

But this still pales when one views the Les Miserable Tenth Anniversary Concert (often called the “Dream Cast”) or its 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2. Or to this, the 25th Anniversary production of Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall.

For those of you who don’t know, here’s the story:

The Glee Project: Two Days Later

The last video is up

While I have an opinion, I think I'll save it for next week's recap. All I'll say is that I kept being drawn to Shanna the entire time. 

The Glee Project: I'm Still Standing

Last time on “The Glee Project”: Darren Criss showed up to see how well the Gleekabes could romance each other. Bland did the best and got a stand out in the video “We Found Love.” But in a twist, Michael excelled in the studio while Bland floundered. Michael even did well on the shoot, which the judges attributed partly to partner Lily. Aylin and Shanna struggled playing lesbians and landed in the bottom two with Bland. In the end, Shanna was eliminated by Ryan. Five Gleekabes remain, find out who will not make it to the finals which are NEXT WEEK OMG!

Glee!

Nostalgia Nook: The Spice Girls

If you were a girl in the late 90s, chances were you owned a Spice Girls CD. If you were a boy in the late 90s, chances were you owned a magazine with the Spice Girls in it. So, why were the Spice Girls so popular? Let’s take look shall we?


And try to figure out what the heck “zig-a-zig-a” was.

The Glee Project: The Saturday After

Next week's video!


It's done like a movie trailer and the Gleekabes actually have to act. Shocking! I'm not sure who won, though. Toss up between Ali and Bland, in my opinion.

The Glee Project: We Found Love in a Hopeless Place

Last time on “The Glee Project”: The week’s theme was BLAKE CAN DO NO WRONG! Actually, it was tenacity and Amber Riley (Mercedes) decided Ali was the most tenacious Gleekabe. She got a lead role in the video for “Eye of the Tiger,” which featured an obstacle course to be completed in one take. The Gleekabes struggled, especially with double Dutch and shooting a basketball. In the end, the bottom three was Michael, Lily and Abraham. After the last chance performances, Abraham came out to make a last stand that was more of a tantrum. It sealed his fate and he was eliminated. Six Gleekabes remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!


Glee!

The Glee Project: The Day After

I may get this in under the wire. 


Next week's video is up.


I think it's almost as cute as last year's "Sexuality" video. When Aylin mentioned "lesbians," I thought they had paired her up with Lily for the DRAMA! but it seems she's paired with Shanna. I'm not sure who won the challenge though, so I'm going with what one poster over on Television Without Pity said: It was Principal Figgins. 

The Glee Project: I’m a Survivor

Last time on “The Glee Project”: Grant Gustin had nothing to do, so he stopped by to judge the remaining Gleekabes on theatricality. They perform “I Hope I Get It” from “A Chorus Line” and he chooses Ali as the winner. She gets a standout moment in the video, “When I Grow Up.” Her Katy Perry is safe as was Shanna’s Lady Gaga, Bland’s Boy George and Aylin’s Madonna. Michael struggled but his Elvis saved him, leaving the bottom three of Abraham, who struggled to embrace the androgyny of David Bowie; Lily, who didn’t play Cyndi Lauper; and Nellie, who was uncomfortable being sexy as Britney Spears. In the end, Nellie’s insecurity was her downfall and she was sent home. Seven Gleekabes remain, who will go down tonight? Find out!


Glee!

The Glee Project: The Next Day

Next week's Glee Project video is up on YouTube. 


It's hard to tell who won the challenge. I can't even tell what the video is supposed to be about! 

The Glee Project: Be Careful What You Wish For, Because You Might Just Get It

Last week on “The Glee Project”: It was fearlessness week! The Gleekabes had to rap for the awesome Jane Lynch, who chose Lily to be the challenge winner. The Gleekabes performed a mash up of “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “One Way or Another” and were way too excited to be hit with slushies. Ali struggled with being hit by the cold concoction due to her condition but braved it like a trooper. She and Lily, a standout in the video, were put on the callback list while Charlie, Aylin and Nellie landed in the bottom 3. Nellie was told to be more outgoing, Aylin was told to remain focused on her competition and Ryan questioned if Charlie could fit in on the Glee set. In the end, the budding romance between Aylin and Charlie suffered a devastating blow when he was eliminated. Eight Gleekabes remain, who is eliminated tonight? Find out!


Glee!

Lifetime Movie Marathon!

Yes, I watch them. Maybe I should’ve added them to my Guilty Pleasures list. But I only go on marathons once in a blue moon. And these aren’t the Meredith Baxter gets raped type of Lifetime movies. These are more feel-good-romances-probably-made-from-chick-lit-books. 

Brave: A Review

Believe it or not, this is a Pixar film. I say it because we were discussing this with some family friends who had ended up at the same showing as us commented the movie felt more like Disney than Pixar. But it is Pixar and it’s their first female protagonist as well.


So, start up the bagpipes and “Brave” the spoilers.


(Sorry)

The Glee Project: Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Last week on “The Glee Project:” The Gleekabes were tested on their ability to adapt by Kevin McHale (Artie). They had to sing the entirety of “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morrisette and Kevin picked Aylin as the winner. She got a stand out role in the video, “Price Tag” by Jessie J, which no one knew until they arrived at the recording studio. Abraham and Ali struggle in the booth while Mario and Bland struggle on set. The judges struggle with getting Charlie to mesh with the group and Nellie to “pop” in the group. At the reveal, the judges put six people through to perform duets for Ryan Murphy. He chose a bottom three of Abraham, Charlie and Mario before cutting Mario for not taking criticism well. Nine Gleekabes remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!


Glee!

Celtic Thunder Voyage II

It’s Celtic Thunder time again! So, some people may be curious as to why there is a part II to Voyage. Well, Sharon Browne has explained it. And it all boils down to how royalties work in the US. So while the show itself is about two hours, in order to turn a profit, it had to be split into two DVDs. So, we have Voyage II!


This DVD opens with “Song for the Mira,” performed by George Donaldson, Keith Harkin, Neil Byrne, Emmet Cahill and Daniel Furlong. The more I hear the song, the more I like it. This go around, they opt for suits. And I must say they look quite dapper in them. The DVD continues with Neil singing “Hallelujah.” It’s even more haunting then his rendition on “It’s Entertainment” and he sings most of it solo. Keith and Emmet come out to sing the last part with him.

Nostalgia Nook: The Swan Princess

Let’s get one fact straight: This is NOT a Disney movie. It’s often mistaken for one despite the animation style being different. But it’s still understandable.


Why?




Because “The Swan Princess” was released during the Disney Renaissance. And the other studios tried to copy the Disney formula. Princess and prince, songs, funny animal companions=viola! Movie!


So, beware SPOILERS!

The Glee Project: The Day After

Next week's video is out!

I started out thinking Aylin won the homework challenge two weeks in a row, but by the end, I'm now confident that it's Lily Mae. And they definitely took note of Nellie and Bland's chemistry from the last chance performances!

Excited?

The Glee Project: It's Not About the Money

Last time on “The Glee Project": It was sexuality week! And of course that meant a visit from Naya Rivera (Santana Lopez). She chose Charlie as the winner in the homework challenge. But he was all over the set of their mashup of “Moves Like Jagger” and “Milkshake,” annoying Erik. It lands him in the bottom 3 along with Michael and Tyler. After performing for Ryan, it was Tyler who was sent home for not being quite comfortable in his new body yet. Ten Gleekabes remain, who is sent home tonight? Find out!


Glee!

Branching Out

I've been exploring social media. In case you don't know, which you might not, I'm in the process of writing a book. I blog about it here. My manuscript's first draft is nearing completion and I plan to spend the summer in revision mode. Then I hope to start shopping around for a literary agent. So I'm thinking ahead. Thinking to when I have to market my book. And social media is one of the best ways nowadays. So I'e branched out.

The Glee Project: The Day After

Next week's Glee Project video is out!


It was difficult at first, but by the end I was pretty sure that Aylin will be the homework challenge winner. That's just my speculation, of course. 


And in information about your recapper you probably didn't need to know, the song they perform is my favorite to dance to on Just Dance 3! 

The Glee Project: Moves Like Jagger

Last time on “The Glee Project:” It was a tough week with the topic of vulnerability. Cory Monteith dropped by and gave actual acting tips before choosing Nellie as the homework challenge winner. The Gleekabes talked about their bullying experiences and used them for their video for “Hold On.” Lily ended up in the bottom three due to poor lip syncing skills. Charlie ended up there for a poor blocking choice (AKA steal Mario’s cane). Mario rounded out the bottom three because he had an attitude. In the end, Ryan decided to keep them all. So once again, 11 Gleekabes remain. Will someone get eliminated tonight? Find out!


Glee!

The Glee Project: Hold On

Last time on “The Glee Project”: Taryn decided she had had enough and was too homesick to continue with the competition. Her departure was told via placard. And I realized why it annoyed me. Everything said in the placard was repeated by Robert Ulrich and was more effective. Anyway, one of last year’s winners—Samuel Larsen—judged the Gleekabes on their dancing skills. Abraham won but the video was a complete mess. It was decided that Dani, Lily and Tyler were the worst of the worst. In the end, Dani was sent home for being too “one-note” AKA Ryan realized he couldn’t base a seven episode arc on a Justin Bieber contest between Sam and Dani. Wait, that actually would’ve been cool. Anyway, eleven Gleekabes remain, who doesn’t make the list tonight? Find out!


The Glee Project!

Fall TV schedules!

FOX and NBC have announced their fall premiere dates. As "Smash" is the only NBC show I watch and it is a mid-season show, I haven't included any of NBC's start dates. So here are the premieres for my selection of FOX shows:

Glee: Sept. 13th (Note: New night!) 
The Simpsons: Sept. 30th
Family Guy: Sept. 30th
American Dad: Sept. 30th

HIMYM Rewind: May the Future Be With You

Barney is in MacLaren’s with Lily and Robin, who want to know about how it’s like living with Quinn. He says he’s great but the women and audience can see through it. Turns out they have a few adjustment problems. For example, Quinn says that she sold all her stuff but she can’t let go of her coffee mugs. Robin and Lily support Quinn. Especially after Barney makes some alpha male quip. They hope he didn’t say that to Quinn and flip out when he reveals he did. Barney leaves, hoping Ted and Marshall are more understanding.

The Glee Project: The Day After

Next week's video assignment

This is just my speculation but I think Nellie is our challenge winner. Though Bland and Michael have a good amount of screen time. 

The Glee Project: Shake It!

Last time on The Glee Project: The 14 contestants explored their new house and got to know each other. Robert Ulrich gave them their homework assignment which they performed for Ryan Murphy and guest mentor Lea Michele. Shanna won the homework challenge, winning a session with Lea and a standout performance in the music video. Aylin, Tyler and Maxfield end up in the bottom 3 with Maxfield being the first to go with not being as amazing as the other Gleekabes. Who goes tonight? Find out!


Glee!

Happy Anniversary!

I keep forgetting when I started this blog! I guess that's a good thing, that it's just been so long a part of my life that I need to remind myself of the date. So happy anniversary to me and my little corner! 

The Glee Project: The Day After

Entertainment Weekly has an interview with eliminated Gleekabe Maxfield.

Next week's music video is up on YouTube.

Not a spoiler, just an observation: Based on the video, I'm guessing Abraham wins the homework challenge.

At Television Without Pity's The Glee Project forum boards, a poster made a comment about the video that I think is a spoiler. So all I'll say is to watch it carefully.

The Glee Project: Here We Go Again!

And The Glee Project returns! We recap Damian and Samuel’s win as well as Alex and Lindsay’s consolation prizes. The poor narrator has to rattle off all 14 names in his hyperactive tone. I am so glad to see Nikki Anders is in the judging panel now.


Our Justin Bieber lookalike arrives first—but she shall henceforth be called “Dani.” Charlie is the next person in, followed by Abraham. I like his red mohawk. He doesn’t want to be kicked off week one. Ali wheels in—yes, she’s our wheelchair bound contestant. Everyone is excited to see Lily Mae come in next as Dani tries to wonder who else made it. They say “Mario” but the next people in aren’t Mario…and when he comes in, everyone is so excited. He says he’s a talented cute guy who is blind. Shanna is surprised there are 14 rather than 12 like last time. The Gleekabes (yes, I’m still calling them that) go through their house as Ali goes over everyone’s sob story. Ali: Paralyzed, Mario: Blind, Tyler: Transgender, Maxfield: Just…started…singing? Tyler says the other Gleekabes are wonderful especially as he’s transgendered. Aylin is happy to have 7 hot guys around.

Nostalgia Nook: A Goofy Movie

In the 90s, Disney aired an afternoon cartoon called “Goof Troop.” It was about the shenanigans Goofy and his young son Max got into along with their friends Pete and PJ (Pete’s son). It was a popular show during Disney Afternoons and soon, it got the movie treatment.


“A Goofy Movie” opened in 1995. It was my sister’s first movie. She sat on my dad’s lap, eating her popcorn and drinking her drink, and watched the movie.


After today, SPOILERS!

Rule Britannia/America the Beautiful

This cycle on ANTM: Despite being called “America’s Next Top Model,” Tyra brought over 7 former Britain’s Next Top Model contestants to compete with 7 new American contestants. There was a new judge—Kelly Cutrone, who many in the audience already hated from her other times on reality shows. The contestants survived each other’s food, the invasion of the Kardashians (actually the Jenners—it was Kris, Kendall and Kylie), odd makeovers, two girls quitting spectacularly, Laura’s overt sexuality and a photoshoot on top of Macau’s tallest building in gale force winds. In the end, one Brit (Sophie) and one American (Laura) remains. Who will be America’s Next Top Model? Find out!


Wanna be on top?

The Glee Project 2: First Impressions

The Glee Project is airing this year on Tuesdays. And once again, I’ll be recapping it.
Like last year, they’ve released a music video staring all the contestants (with cameo appearances by Zach and Robert). The 14 contestants sang Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory” which was sung by the TroubleTones (plus Quinn and Tina) at Nationals. I’m not entirely certain who is who, but thanks to the Oxygen website and YouTube, I’ll figure it out.


In order of appearance:

Fade In On a Star…

Last week, Bombshell bombed in previews. Julia and Tom were charged with coming up with a new ending but Julia was too mad at Tom for being a professional. Karen and Dev reconcile and get engaged. But he left the ring in Ivy’s room after their night of drunken sex. Rebecca ended up drinking a smoothie laced with peanuts and was rushed to the hospital. Bombshell is stuck in hell as they await news of their leading lady. So they go to church where Sam and Karen sing gospel and Julia and Tom make up. Rebecca recovers but decides this was a sign she shouldn’t do Bombshell and quits. That leaves one question: Who is Marilyn?


This week, we start fifteen minutes before the curtain goes up. Tom and Julia work on something and rush to give the changes to Linda. They ask her to give it to Marilyn. We then see the camera go through the hallways as people wish the camera good luck…in theater terms, of course. The camera hits its mark and the curtain rises.


12 Hours Earlier

No Applause

Last week, it was tech week and all hell broke loose, per usual. Ted, the new DiMaggio, got a pilot and quit. It was decided to bring back Michael Swift despite Julia and Frank’s protests. Rebecca was a nervous wreck. Derek humored her all the way to sex in the dressing room. Ivy found out and sang about it before going to a bar. Dev and RJ shared a kiss, but he breaks it. He goes up to Boston to propose to Karen. She neither accepts nor rejects him, mind too fried to do anything. Dev storms off, confessing that he kissed RJ. Karen storms off saying she can’t decide to marry a cheater during tech. He goes to a bar and picks up Ivy.


This week, Julia and family are in Boston! And so is Michael Swift! They have a tense standoff as Michael goes into the theater. Leo says he enjoyed it, slightly scaring his father. They offer to go in with Julia but she says she has to be a big girl and go ream out Tom for not supporting her. Frank and Leo go and explore Boston, I guess.

When You Wish Upon a Perfume Bottle…

Last time on ANTM: The final five met Chinese action star/pop star Nicholas Tse. Laura immediately wanted to have sex with him. She ended up winning the acting challenge and later, Eboni says that Laura is sleeping her way to the top. While she was playing along with the joking (and repeating what some viewers were thinking), Laura decides to flip out on Eboni. The girls have to model on top of a frickin’ tall tower, outside, with Nigel Barker. Sophie and Alisha have nervous breakdowns, Annaliese and Laura are excited and Eboni is just meh. At panel, Laura got first photo while Alisha and Eboni ended up in the bottom two. Eboni was eliminated but Alisha asked to leave. She did so, but Eboni was not saved. Three models remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!


Wanna be on top?

2012-2013 TV Season *Updates*

Updates are coming out everyday! 

ABC

Body of Proof

Dancing with the Stars

Once Upon a Time

CBS

The Big Bang Theory

Criminal Minds

CSI

CSI: NY 

Hawaii Five-0

How I Met Your Mother

The Mentalist

Mike & Molly

NCIS

NCIS: LA

Person of Interest

Undercover Boss

CW

America's Next Top Model

FOX

American Dad

Glee

The Simpsons

NBC

Smash

TV Season 2012-2013 Update

ABC

Body of Proof
Dancing with the Stars
Once Upon a Time

The 2012-2013 TV Season

We're nearing the end of the 2011-2012 TV season. You know what that means--it's time to start looking forward to the 2012-2013 TV season. Here are a list of shows that will be returning then.

(The list will be updated as networks present their upfronts)


CBS
The Big Bang Theory
Criminal Minds
CSI
Hawaii Five-0
How I Met Your Mother
The Mentalist
Mike & Molly
NCIS
NCIS: LA
Person of Interest
Undercover Boss

CW
America's Next Top Model

FOX
American Dad
Glee
The Simpsons

NBC
Smash

It’s Tech Week!

Last week, Rebecca and Karen became BFFs! Nights on the town, free swag, dinner with Dev, the works! And that dinner comes with an awesome if yet odd Bollywood number. Meanwhile, Ivy works with Ellis and manages to sing the new song “Second Hand White Baby Grand.” Which Rebecca promptly decides should be hers and not some ensemble member’s. Anjelica Huston gets sexy time with Thorsten Kaye. And Julia and Frank reunited when Leo ran away.


This week, it’s tech week. Say those words to anyone who is involved or was ever involved with theater and you’re bound to get a treasure trove of horror stories. I was running the sound board for a production when I was in college and we lost an actor during tech week (not sure what happened, the best I could gather was that she just stopped showing up). The assistant stage manager stepped in, learned the role in under a week and killed it. And to top it off, the communication system that allowed the stage manager to talk to the booth failed. And that’s just one production I did in college.


So before we continue with this episode, there is one thing to understand: This is a very stressful time for everyone involved in the show.

Going to New Heights…And Familiar Lows

Last week on ANTM: The final six traveled to Macau! They met with a Chinese astrologer and had their fortunes read. The wannabes then had to adjust their outfits to match their elements. Laura won the challenge and had to take Eboni, who she admitted earlier to hating, along for a spa day. The girls then posed in Barney Cheng’s dresses, accessorized by silkworms. Laura rose to the top while Catherine and Alisha found themselves in the bottom two. Sadly, Catherine was sent home. Five girls remain; who goes home tonight?


Wanna be on top?

Guilty Pleasures!

The Nostalgia Chick recently released a list of her guilty pleasures and so I figured, what the heck? Here's my Top 10 movies, TV shows and musicals that I will admit to enjoying with a side helping of shame.


Shameful confessions after the jump:

Nostalgia Nook: Doug

Admit it: You now have the theme song stuck in your head. I know the Nostalgia Critic will not be covering this TV show as it scarred him as a child. (Listen to the theme song he made up for it if you are curious).


Doug premiered on Nickelodeon in the early 90s. It was an animated show about a 12-years-old named Doug who had eccentric neighbors, a drama queen for a sister, some interesting friends and one cool dog. He also had an active imagination that spoke to other kids.


So why did we like Doug? Well, put on your Beets album and watch out for SPOILERS!

Macau’s Next Top Model—Edwin the Silkworm

Last week on ANTM: The final seven wannabes went to a real life runway! Alisha, Annaliese and Sophie were chosen to open shows. The others girls walked in the show but Seymone still pouted about it. Alisha won the challenge. The girls then had a Hello, Kitty themed shoot with a young photographer. Georgina Chapman, co-founder of Marchese, was the guest judge and actually had some opinions. All the Brits and Laura were safe while Eboni and Seymone were in the bottom. Due to her attitude, Seymone went out on a really weird note. Six girls remain! Who is eliminated? Found out!


Wanna be  on top?

Fame—I Wanna Live Forever

Last week, Rebecca Duvall annoyed everyone except Karen.


This week, she continues to annoy everyone except Karen. She’s late to rehearsal due to working out at the gym. Karen doesn’t mind because Derek talks to her. I wouldn’t mind if Jack Davenport started talking to me. He asks Karen if she is getting the material as the understudy as he can’t work with her. She says she doesn’t mind as the Chorus Buddies filled her in. Understudies work with the stage manager, not the director. Derek is slightly impressed. Ivy, watching them, is slightly jealous. Ellis takes Rebecca’s assistant aside though he (rightly) doesn’t want anything to do with the rat. But the rat says it’s important.

A Fan Rants

Because this is the internet and what else was the internet made for?

Hello, Kitty!

Last week: The girls were asked to do a PSA about being beautiful inside and out—to not listen to the bullies. The young girl Alisha was paired with brought everyone to tears—including the audience. The Brits win the PSA challenge and get video messages from home. Annaliese’s friend wishes her well, so does Catherine’s parents and her dog while Alisha’s family is proud of her. Sophie’s boyfriend blathers on about the weather. British singer Estelle shows up to help with the girls’ photoshoot which involves the booty tooch. Sophie excels while Alisha and Kyle fall flat. In the end, Kyle was sent packing. Seven wannabes remain, who goes home tonight? Find out!


Wanna be on top? 

See, I Could Never Really Sing…

Last week, Rebecca Duvall was stuck in Cuba. So Karen was promoted to understudy. Ivy finds out and takes it pretty well. But it’s because she has an ulterior motive—she thinks if she’s nice enough, she’ll get back into the chorus. And she encourages to Karen rebel a bit, hoping to get her kicked out. Karen and Dev have a fight, Tom and John break up and Julia finally tells Tom Frank left her. And Eileen gets Terrence Mann to bankroll Bombshell before kissing Thorsten Kaye.


This week, Eileen is avoiding Thorsten Kaye. He’s baffled and keeps calling. She decides to look at the information Ellis dug up about Nick. And it’s not good, so she continues ignoring him.

Big Changes!

Changes on "America's Next Top Model"


Yep, you read that right. Next season, Cycle 19, will not see Ms. J Alexander, Mr. Jay Manuel nor Mr. Nigel Barker. I am sad as well. More about Mr. Jay and Nigel than Ms. J. He/She/It has been fading as the cycles have continued, since he/she/it left the judging panel. And there have been very few runway teaches and challenges. 


I'd rather have seen Mr. Jay on the panel, but he's got Canada's Next Top Model and will be fine. 


I'm just going to miss Nigel's accent. 


There's a poll on the site. Who will you miss? 

The Glee Project 2

Yes, I started watching "The Glee Project" last year because of Damian McGinty--who went on to win. And while I've contemplated starting a drinking game revolved around Damian's appearances in Glee (one sip if you see him, two if he gets a line, down it if he gets a song), I've decided to watch the second season of "The Glee Project." And yes, I'm going to recap it. What else is there for the summer after all? 


So, let's see who's going to win the chance to grace McKinley High School in Season 4. 

Where’s Uma?

Last week, Ivy returned to Heaven on Earth. And did not hide her disappointment. Or her pills. After taking a drunk dive on the stage, Norbert Leo Butz threw her off. She wandered through Times Square with Karen before returning home. Sam and Tom decided to get to know each other instead of looking for their pill-popping, drunk friend. Frank found out about Michael, punched him and left Julia. And Ellis slept with Rebecca Duvall’s assistant to get her to join Marilyn.


This week, everyone is gathered back for another…read-through? I guess? Except that Rebecca’s not there. Karen and the Chorus Buddies whisper while they wait. Eileen receives a phone call and asks everyone to take a break. She gathers Derek, Julia and Tom to tell them that Rebecca Duvall isn’t in New York. She isn’t even in the US. “CUBA?” Julia shouts into the rehearsal space. Eileen tries to shush her, but it’s too late. The investors have heard, including Manny Azenberg and Robyn Goodman. (By the way, they are real Broadway investors. The day after this show aired, it was announced Azenberg is to receive a special award at the Tonys). They demand that Eileen get Rebecca there pronto and want to talk with her.

I Think I’d Like to Change My Table

Last week on ANTM: The Brits had some fun with Laura’s beloved teddy, not knowing it was a gift from her now dead best friend. When it appeared that Kyle was pushing the ear away in the pool (and it’s a pool, not the freaking ocean, go and fish it out!), Laura flips out and decides that Kyle is dead to her. Lisa shows up to tell the girls they will be making music videos. The Brits got Girls Aloud member Nadine Coyle as a mentor while the Americans got Pussycat Doll Jessica Sutta as theirs. Tyra taught the girls the art of the booty tooch but AzMarie refused to wear her butt pads. She ended up in the bottom two with Kyle who fell flat during the music video. In the end, you do not mess with Tyra and AzMarie was sent home. Who will go home tonight? Find out!


Wanna be on top?

The Revolution Will No Longer be Televised

It's been announced that ABC Daytime is shelving "The Revolution," the show that replaced my beloved "One Life to Live." It goes off the air in July, when it will be replaced briefly by an afternoon edition of "Good Morning, America." Then in September, I believe, the individual markets will decide whether to air Katie Couric's new show or General Hospital in that time slot.


I knew the time slot was promised, but I admit--I still hoped that there was a way to resurrect "One Life to Live." Was it possible? Absolutely.


Yes, most people in Llanview got Happily Ever Afters. But there were still doors left open. So, if you let me my flights of fancy (and the fact that it's my blog suggests you do), how would I revive One Life to Live were it possible?

Never Mouth Back to Tyra

Last week on ANTM: There was no episode as One Tree Hill aired its two-hour series finale.


Two weeks ago on ANTM: Mr. Jay invited the remaining wannabes up to Canada for Toronto Fashion Week! The girls were sent to book some runways. Eboni and Sophie both booked four shows each while Catherine, Ashley and Seymone booked none. At the fashion show, Kyle and Laura were kicked off their show while Seymone moaned about not getting picked. Mr. Jay gave her a pep talk. The next day, Eboni and Sophie won the challenge and the wannabes had to pose in fake leaves while maple syrup was poured over them. Eboni and AzMarie rose to the top of the Americans while Sophie was the only Brit to place high in call-out. Catherine and Ashley were in the bottom two and my heart was broken when Ashley was sent back to Scotland. Nine girls remain, who will get eliminated tonight? Find out!


Wanna be on top?

And It Explodes

Last week, Derek and Eileen decided to test out another direction for Marilyn the Musical. It bombed. They decided to go with a star, sending Ivy back to the chorus and Michael to the curb.


This week, Eileen wants a star! And Ellis is determined to get her one. So he networks and works hard to get “Rebecca Duvall” onboard. He even flirts with a male assistant to do so! Apparently, Ellis is bi, I guess.

Kill the Director

Last week, Marilyn the Musical had its workshop! And it had its ups and downs. Bernadette Peters played Ivy’s hard-to-please mother. Backers showed up and it was sweltering! In the end, the critics weren’t too kind to Marilyn. The creatives decide to sack Michael and look to the future.


This week, radio silence. Julia and Tom haven’t heard anything from Eileen. Julia is really worried so Frank sings to her. It’s not Brian d’Arcy James’ best performance but there is a promise of a proper performance from him later in the season to look forward to. In his bedroom, Leo can hear the song and smiles, thinking all is well.

Nostalgia Nook: Animorphs

When I look back, I’m still surprised I started reading “Animorphs.” Even at the age of 11, I was well on my way to reading mostly historical fiction. But at the same time, I was reading Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time.” And I was devouring my mother’s old Nancy Drew novels. So I had a slight interest in science fiction and mysteries. I think this interest drew me to Animorphs, a blend of both!

While I never finished the series, there will be some SPOILERS!

Everything’s Coming Up…

Last week, Ivy’s voice gave out. She went on prednisone and went a little crazy. Tom and Sam took care of her before she dumped Derek at rehearsal. Karen took a bar mitzvah for Jessica, who took it for Ivy, and gets a call from a top music producer. Julia and Michael crossed the point of no return and had sex. And Eileen got closer with that rat Ellis and met Thorsten Kaye.

This week, it’s time for the workshop performance of “Marilyn the Musical”! And the boiler is broken so the performance space is sweltering. Eileen yells at Brad Oscar, who is playing the building manager. But he can’t get a plumber in just yet to look at it. Eileen is frustrated and goes to the bar. Nick (Thorsten Kaye) says there is a guy in the building who can fix the boiler, except he’d have to do it on the down low. Eileen stops drooling long enough to agree to it.

O Canada!

Last week on ANTM: The Brits dealt with the fallout of Louise quitting the competition. Then the girls were sent on a challenge with Ms. J and that heavily accented branding specialist. The girls had to film commercials for fake products and then get judged by a focus group. Eboni and Candace missed the point of the challenge when Kyle goofed in her commercial but still came off well to the focus group. She wanted to leave and moaned about it the rest of the episode. Nigel took their pictures where they wore fancy dresses and posed with classic cars. AzMarie got called first again while Candace and Eboni landed in the bottom two. While trying to say that Kyle was ready to  walk away, Candace was still kicked out by Tyra. Who will follow tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

An Intervention

So, Becky Newton came to How I Met Your Mother. And she turned Barney’s head as stripper Quinn. So you know what that means? Time to meet the others! But Barney only tells Ted what Quinn really does. He makes Ted swear a broath not to tell the others. So Ted tells the others that Quinn’s a stripper and trying to steal all of Barney’s money.

CREDITS!

Coming Soon to an Infomercial Near You!

Last week on ANTM: Tyra reminded us that she’s a published author! And that she graduated from Harvard! She assigned all the models these stupid superhero name. They then had to go meet Kelly at a studio where they were to run their own photoshoot. Split into teams, Annaliese was overwhelmed leading the Brits. On set, Louise and Kelly argued briefly. When Nigel called her photo “mean,” Louise went off, not helped when Kelly called her on her behavior. She stormed off, quitting the competition. Eleven wannabes remain, who will be eliminated tonight?

Wanna be on top?

Hallucinating Marilyn

Let me start by saying that I was thrilled to see Thorsten Kaye’s name pop up in the credits. The soap lover in me yelled “ZACH!”

Last week: Karen was a sexy Marilyn to get information for her boyfriend. Ivy confronted Derek and we found out Sam is gay. Michael decides he wants Julia, pursues her and then kisses her in front of her son. Who Tom had to have his date bail out of prison.

"Voyage" UPDATE

So, my PBS (well, one of 'em) aired Voyage for St. Patrick's Day. It is not the DVD show. So I wrote down the song order as aired on PBS:

(Songs not on the DVD are starred)

Deus Meus

Dulaman

Kindred Spirits

Jigs and Reels

Black is the Color

Lagan Love

(Break)

Maid of Culmore

The Dutchman

Red Rose Cafe

Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears

Ride On

Hallelujah* (Neil with Keith and Emmett)

(Break)

Song for the Mira* (All sans Ryan)
My Irish Molly* (Emmett)

You Got a Friend in Me* (Daniel with Keith)

All Day Long

Friends in Low Places* (Ryan)

A Place in the Choir* (All)

(Break)

Clancy Brothers Medley

She Always a Woman* (Neil)

Cat's in the Cradle* (George)

All Out of Love* (Keith)

Galway Girl* (All)


Once again, this did not end with the complete performance of "Ireland's Call" though some was shown as the credits rolled.

Voyage

It’s March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day. You know what that means? That’s right—Celtic Thunder again! This is the first DVD released without Paul Byrom and Damian McGinty. It’s the first to feature Emmett Cahill.

So, how is “Voyage”? Well, we’ll start with the DVD and then go on to the CD.

Walk Away

Last time on ANTM: The girls had to go through makeovers. Louise is difficult about getting hers and comes out the other end looking like Keira Knightley in my opinion (Tyra calls her Linda Evangelista). For the photoshoot, the girls posed with Kris Jenner and her youngest daughters Kylie and Kendall. Laura and Ashley rose to the top while Mariah and Seymone fell to the bottom. In the end, Seymone got to stay while Mariah was sent back to the reservation. Who goes home tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Let’s Be Bad

Last week, rehearsals for Marilyn began! Ivy was queen bee and Karen felt isolated. Then some chorus members took her under wing as Derek threw a party. And a Jonas brother showed up.

This week, rehearsals continue. Except they are hitting some snags. The workshop is less than two weeks away and Julia still hasn’t finished the script. It’s a bit difficult when her husband is calling her every five minutes from his teacher’s retraining retreat. Or if she wasn’t fighting the attraction she feels toward Michael. He tells her he has some concerns about how she’s writing DiMaggio and they go out after rehearsals to discuss this. And share an apple pie—namely, Julia eats all his whipped cream on him. She gets a call but doesn’t recognize the number. So she does what most people do—lets it go to voice mail.

An Ode to the Golden Age

As you know, I’ve taken many a stroll through Hollywood Studios (the former MGM Studios) in Walt Disney World. It’s dedicated to the golden age of films, a Hollywood and Vine stuck in the 1930s. And while Epcot is my favorite park, I still like Hollywood Studios. I wouldn’t mind walking down it one day in an old 30’s inspired outfit.

Anyway, I love to go on the Great Movie Ride while I’m there. Which means I’ve seen the preshow many, many times over. And I’ve seen some trailers for the old black and white pictures, but they all start with talking pictures. Nothing from the silent era. It’s like an era that’s been forgotten.
But not completely—this year’s Academy Award winner “The Artist” is a love letter to this age.

“Spoilers”

Pick Your Hair Color from the Paint Swabs

Last time on ANTM: The British invaded again! Seven former Britain’s Next Top Model contestants were brought over to compete against seven amateur American contestants. They have a “fierce parade” in Universal City which includes a walk off. After, they pose for a 360 shot dressed as icons from their own period. At panel, we were introduced to new judge Kelly Cutrone. American Seymone was given best picture while a Brit and a Scot—Jasmia and Ashley—ended up in the bottom two. Personality saved Ashley, sending Jasmia back to England. Thirteen contestants remain—who will be given the boot tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Fame: New vs. Old

I apologize to Doug Walker for taking his Nostalgia Critic idea. But I watched the 2009 update of the movie “Fame” and had to use it.

(FAME! I’m gonna reach the SPOILERS!)

Nostalgia Nook—Sabrina the Teenage Witch

Remember TGIF? ABC’s block of family programming that aired from 8PM to 10PM every Friday, to be followed by Hugh Downs and Barbara Walters on 20/20. I grew up with TGIF. From “Full House” to “Family Matters” to “Step by Step” and beyond. Then the lineup became “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Boy Meets World,” “You Wish,” and “Teen Angel.” (Note, these didn’t all debut in the same season. “Boy Meets World” and “Sabrina” predated the other two). We’re going to talk about the lead-in.

Double, double, toil and SPOILERS!

Welcome to the Chorus Line

I feel like a bad theater nerd. I couldn’t come up with a better “A Chorus Line” reference for the title. I apologize.


Last week: The show found it’s Joe DiMaggio in Michael Swift.


This week: Rehearsals begin for “Marilyn, the Musical.” Oh, hey, the assistant in rehearsals is Ann Harada AKA Christmas Eve from “Avenue Q”!


Cast Members AB Has Seen Live


Christian Borle
Will Chase
The dancer from “Grenade”
Michelle Federer
Ann Harada

Jumpin’ Joe DiMaggio

Last week, Ivy got the lead in “Marilyn the Musical.”

This week, Derek’s meeting Karen in a posh restaurant. He asks her how she’s doing now that she’s not Marilyn. She says she’s fine and she’s good with being in the ensemble. Derek tells her she should be pissed and Karen’s clearly flummoxed. I’ve noticed some people on the internet don’t like how Karen’s not thrilled to be in the ensemble, which is a big step for her. But I can understand it. We don’t know how much time has passed between episodes. Karen may not have gotten over the disappointment of not getting the lead just yet.

The British Are Coming, The British Are Coming…

America’s Next Top Model is back y’all! Five bucks says we will never find out what happened to disqualify Angelea during last season’s finale throughout the course of this one! Anyway…

Tyra talks about the British. So apparently it’s the British vs Americans. Doesn’t England already have “Britain’s Next Top Model”?

Wanna be on top?

RIP Davy Jones

I was quite shocked this afternoon when I checked my Twitter feed on my phone and found both E! Online and Playbill tweeting stories about Davy Jones' death. Am I a bit too young to have missed the Monkees' mania? Yes. But the show is in syndication. My sister and I both discovered it at the same time. We loved to watch the episodes. I think my parents were amused that were liked a show they used to watch when they were younger (probably closer to my age then as I am the older child). And you can't deny he was cute.

And I still love the songs. Give me their version of "I'm a Believer" over the one that played in Shrek.

So farewell, Daydream Believer. You will be missed.

Place Your Bets!

So, in a move that probably had How I Met Your Mother fans smacking their heads in disbelief, Ted announced that he was still in love with Robin. And Robin seems to go with it. But they do discuss this. Ted explains that he and Robin broke up five years ago because they wanted different things when they discussed their futures. But five years later, they are still in the same situation. Ted thinks it’s a sign. Robin’s not sure. But she has time to think—she has to go to Russia with her hated co-worker. She leaves and Ted wonders why he didn’t kiss her. Robin returns, kisses him and tells them they’ll talk about this when she gets back.

Who Will Be Marilyn?

Last week, Ivy Lynn and Karen were waiting to hear who would get to play Marilyn in a new musical being created by Tom and Julia, produced by Anjelica Huston and directed by Derek.


This week…Ivy Lynn and Karen are waiting to hear who will get to play Marilyn in a new musical being created by Tom and Julia, produced by Anjelica Huston and directed by Derek.

Torchwood’s Back…Kinda

So, it took me several months to finally watch Torchwood: Miracle Day. I was excited about it when it was being teased. And then…I forgot it aired. And I kept forgetting it was airing. Mostly because the internet was not blowing up about it. Considering the past three seasons of Torchwood…that’s not a good sign. And then what I did catch from the internet wasn’t positive either.


But I found it on demand and so, with some trepidation and out of curiosity over what the heck Gwen and Rhys had, I pressed play on “Miracle Day.”


The New World or "How Cute is Gwen and Rhys' Baby?"


One day, everyone stops dying while the CIA is clued to Torchwood. Babe from "All My Children" meets Captain Jack Harkness while Gwen and Rhys try to protect their adorable little girl.


(Yes, I do a Moron’s Guide for Torchwood as well)

C’mon Ride the Train…

And now that song is stuck in my head.


As for the last two episodes of How I Met Your Mother, there are reasons why I haven’t posted recaps for them. The episode with the return of Stripper!Lily was just too boring to hold my interest. I tried to recap it, I really did, but I just couldn’t remember the episode. As for last week’s (2/6) episode, this also goes to my FaceOff followers. I taped the 2/1 episode of FaceOff and meant to recap it before last week’s (2/8) episode. I had also taped Monday’s (2/6) “How I Met Your Mother” and intended to watch it later in the week. Unfortunately, I had a death in the family. So that week was busy. And this week I have finals. I promise to get those episodes up soon.

Farewell, Llanview! (Part Two)

For Part One, go here.

On to the finale of “One Life to Live.” A month later, and I still have trouble believing the show is off the air.

Smash!

I’m sure since I’ve made no secret of being a big fan of Broadway musical, it is no surprise I watched the premiere episode of “Smash,” NBC’s new drama. What did I think?

I loved it! Surprise, surprise, right? The story is about the making of a Broadway musical, from inspiration—an assistant suggests Marilyn Monroe to composer-lyricist team Tom and Julia (Christian Borle and Debra Messing). And they start the ball rolling, despite Julia’s promise to her husband (Brian d’Arcy-James) that she would take the year off so they could adopt a baby. Meanwhile, Tom asks one of the chorus girls in his and Julia’s latest show, Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty), to sing a demo song. Which the assistant inadvertently ends up leaking to the internet.

Nostalgia Nook: Adventures in Wonderland

Most kid shows in the late 80s and throughout the 90s have one thing in common: they usually tried to teach us a moral. With the exception of “Animaniacs,” who averted it with the Wheel of Morality. Shows like Captain Planet tried to teach environmental morals. Most though tried to teach us the same morals, just in different ways. And it’s amazing in hindsight that we watched the same moral get taught to us over and over.

So why did we watch all these shows? I think it was the characters and the premise. Power Rangers taught us these morals and kicked Japanese stunt people butts along the way. And in Adventures in Wonderland, the characters of Lewis Carroll’s fantasy teach them to us.

So, through the looking glass and watching out for SPOILERS!

Farewell, Llanview! (Part One)

One Life to Live left the airwaves after 43 years on air. When I was working, I fell behind and had to catch up on about three months worth of episodes online. But I made it in time to watch the finale.

Though it was the penultimate episode that nearly made me cry! Everyone was gathered around their TVs, watching the finale of Llanview’s favorite sudser, Fraternity Row. Before the show aired, the Blanca Morales show hosted a tribute to it. Basically, it was an excuse for Agnes Nixon and Erika Slezak to say good-bye to the fans. Of course they were “Agnes Dixon” and Viki. But I knew it was really them.

But let me back it up. As I said, I had to catch up on a LOT of episodes. So I just kept watching and watching, not so much reacting. If you will allow me, I’d like to react.

Is It Too Horrible?

Last time on “FaceOff”: McKenzie took the remaining 13 contestants on a field trip to the aquarium. Sadly, Ms. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus was not involved. The contestants were paired up with Brea (as the previous week’s winner) allowed to chose her team. They had to turn a model into a fish that was waterproof. Beki butted heads with her partner Miranda but they were ultimately safe. Rayce wins for the week while Nix and his ringmaster mustache are sent home. Twelve contestants remain, who gets sent home tonight? Find out!

We open at the house. Brea asks others who should’ve gone home. Matt thinks it should’ve been Jerry. He calls him a virus who saps people’s creativity. Sue thinks he’s a control freak.

Under Da Sea, Under Da Sea!

Last time on “FaceOff”: Fourteen contestants competed to be the next big thing in SXF makeup. McKenzie Westmore came back and brought Glenn, Patrick and Ve with her! Conor even stopped by to help judge the foundation challenge. Jerry won, granting him immunity. For the spotlight challenge, the contestants were divided between men vs. women and then split into teams. They had to reimagine characters from the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Some lackluster Tin Men followed and a few scarecrows that didn’t appear in my nightmares as thankfully, my dream catcher worked. Brea was determined the winner for her work on the Wicked Witch while Nix and Greg fell in the bottom two. In the end, Greg was sent home. Thirteen contestants remain, who will pack up tonight? Find out!

LA! We start off in the house as Nix and Beki talk. Nix feels bad over Greg’s dismissal and is still upset about Jerry’s behavior. Beki feels angry that she allowed Brea to take credit and thus win last week.

We’re Off to See the…WHAT THE HELL?

Face Off returns!

Sheridan Crane welcomes us back to Season 2, saying the casting brought several wannabe contestants. And they’ve gotten bigger guest judges. But we still have Ve Neill (Pirates of the Caribbean), Patrick Tatopolous (Rise of the Lycans), and Glenn Hetrick (Lady Gaga). The contestants will get makeup, a car and $100,000.

Marshall’s Ultimate New Year’s Cemetery Tailgating Party

Happy New Year, everyone! Let’s start off 2012 right with a new “How I Met Your Mother.”

In our framing device, Marshall travels to Minnesota to watch the Vikings-Bears game at his dad’s grave. He even brought the grill, the cooler and the TV to do so. He tells his dad about New Year’s Eve in NYC.

Nostalgia Nook—Kids, Incorporated

When I was little, I used to watch the Disney Channel. Aw, heck, I still do. Some of the shows that used to air on old-school Disney included the New Mickey Mouse Club, which launched the careers of some luminaries such as Keri Russell, Ryan Gosling, JC Chavez, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. Shown with the Mickey Mouse Club was a show called “Kids, Incorporated.”

Yes, “Kids, Incorporated.” The show that launched the careers of Mario Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Stacey Ferguson AKA Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas.

So, sit back and let’s sing our way down Nostalgia Lane.